1 Samuel 17:2

And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.

And Saul {H7586} and the men {H376} of Israel {H3478} were gathered together {H622}, and pitched {H2583} by the valley {H6010} of Elah {H425}, and set the battle {H4421} in array {H6186} against {H7125} the Philistines {H6430}.

Sha'ul and the men of Isra'el assembled, set up camp in the Elah Valley and drew up their battle line opposite the P'lishtim.

Saul and the men of Israel assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, arraying themselves for battle against the Philistines.

And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and encamped in the vale of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.

Commentary

Context

This verse sets the immediate scene for one of the most famous narratives in the Bible: David and Goliath. Following a period of ongoing tension and skirmishes between the Israelites and their ancient adversaries, the Philistines, both armies have now gathered for a decisive confrontation. King Saul, leading the forces of Israel, has positioned his troops in the valley of Elah, a strategic location in the Shephelah region, which was a frequent battleground between the two nations. The Philistines, as described in the subsequent verse, occupied the opposing ridge, creating a formidable standoff. This verse emphasizes the organized preparation for battle, with both sides having "set the battle in array," indicating they were lined up in military formation, ready for engagement.

Key Themes

  • Imminent Conflict: The verse vividly portrays the gathering of forces, highlighting the escalating tension between Israel and the Philistines. It underscores the severity of the threat facing Israel.
  • Strategic Positioning: The mention of the "valley of Elah" is crucial, as this specific geographical bottleneck becomes the stage for the pivotal encounter. It suggests a prepared, deliberate military posture from both sides.
  • Setting the Stage for Divine Intervention: While the verse focuses on human military preparations, it subtly lays the groundwork for God's extraordinary intervention through David, which will unfold in the following verses. This human readiness precedes a divine display of power.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Elah" in "valley of Elah" refers to a terebinth tree, a large, long-lived tree common in the region. This detail not only identifies the specific location but also evokes the natural landscape of ancient Israel where such events transpired. The phrase "set the battle in array" (Hebrew: ืขึธืจึทืšึฐ ืžึดืœึฐื—ึธืžึธื”, arakh milchamah) literally means "to arrange for battle" or "to set in order for war," indicating disciplined military formation and readiness for immediate combat, not just a casual encampment.

Practical Application

Even in moments of intense preparation and looming conflict, like the scene described in 1 Samuel 17:2, God is sovereignly at work. This verse reminds us that:

  • Life's "Valleys of Elah": We often face situations that feel like a "valley of Elah"โ€”a place of confrontation, challenge, or daunting odds. It's in these moments that we, like the Israelites, must assess the situation.
  • Human Preparation, Divine Purpose: While Saul and his men prepared for battle, their human efforts alone were not enough for the challenge ahead. This foreshadows the need for God's unique solution, reminding us that our preparations should always be accompanied by reliance on God's ultimate plan, as seen in David's declaration that the battle belongs to the Lord.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 21:9 (5 votes)

    And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it [is here] wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take [it]: for [there is] no other save that here. And David said, [There is] none like that; give it me.

  • 1 Samuel 17:19 (3 votes)

    Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, [were] in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.